Old City Aikido

10/16/2026

Serious heavy hitters in my Friday morning class 609 Jiu Jitsu !

Thanks so much guys, see you next time!

10/15/2026

Keep your head down and work hard
Go unnoticed aside from constant effort
Expect less and be more appreciative of what comes
You can strive to be better, but also make others better along the way
Yes, it’s about you and your journey, but never at the expense of others
Because it’s NOT about you
Your teacher is not a means to an end, they are the source of your means
Be respectful
Probably, no one asked you
More likely, no one cares
Be humble
You may be more skilled, but you’re NOT better than anyone
Take care of your fellows, without them, you are on your own
Always adhere to the proper etiquette and rules of the dojo
“Budo is not a democracy; it is the way of restraint and solidarity.”

Steady on…

-JP

10/10/2026

Saturday kids!!

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09/27/2026

Working from collar grabs the last few weeks.

09/25/2026

Dejan and Noah gettin' that last stripe on those white belts. Great work boys! Up next, blue belt!

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09/24/2026

It was my honor to finally present JD with his long-overdue shodan certificate.

Congratulations!

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09/07/2026

Your rank is not a gift from your teachers.
It’s a promise to your fellows.
You did not earn it alone.
What is granted because of your dedication should be repaid with your devotion.
In the dojo energy is freely loaned and borrowed.
Knowledge is tirelessly given and should be received in earnest.
You earn a thing.
Your teacher acknowledges that thing.
Your fellows prepare you, and witness that thing.
Now you must BE that thing.
The place to do so is the dojo.
YOUR dojo.
Where else could it possibly be?
To your community it is a milestone, a recognition of all you have achieved.
To your teacher, it is the realization of duty and purpose.
Everywhere else, it is just a belt.
Your rank is not a possession.
It’s a promise.
Please do your best to fulfill it.

Many thanks,

-JP

08/22/2026

08/14/2026

Half guard deep dive at my morning class at 609. Come check us out!

08/08/2026

Congratulations to all who passed thier level examinations today, well done!

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